Transform yourself.

Transform the World.

Thirsting for an education that matters, to you and the world? Yearn to dive into
a liberal arts program where you are exposed to the great intellectual traditions
of the West and East? Want to grow intellectually and professionally, within a rich
contemplative environment?

The pursuit of wisdom at Naropa University means learning both about academic subjects
and about one's own place in the world. The mission of contemplative education—combining
the best of Western and Eastern academic traditions—places Naropa on the cutting edge
of the newest and most effective methods of teaching and learning.

Our generous scholarship and financial aid packages make it possible for a diverse
range of students to attend Naropa. In fact more than 79% of our graduate students
and 70% of our undergraduates receive some kind of financial assistance.

Naropa University is a Buddhist-inspired, student-centered liberal arts university
in Boulder, Colorado. A recognized leader in contemplative education, Naropa's undergraduate
and graduate programs emphasize professional and personal growth, intellectual development,
and contemplative practice.

Life outside the classroom is a huge part of your experience at Naropa University. There
are numerous opportunities for you to get involved. Serve the community through a
service project, alternative break, or ongoing volunteer experience. There's an incredibly
vibrant community here at Naropa University. Get involved - create community!

Contemplative education has been at the core of the Naropa experience since our founding
in 1974 as a vision to bring together the best of Western scholarship and Eastern
world wisdom traditions. It combines three distinct educational approaches to deliver
the most innovative liberal arts education in America.

There are tons of ways to get involved, stay in touch and support Naropa. Whether
you are a prospective student, parent, alumnus or just interested in contemplative
education, we are here to answer your questions and keep you informed and connected.

The Bow

It has become something of a tradition at Naropa University to begin classes and meetings
with a bow. Although this ritual is by no means compulsory, it seems to have taken
widespread hold at the university over the years. Many students and staff find themselves
performing the bow countless times during their degree program at Naropa, and many
take enjoyment and comfort in the growing familiarity that a ritual such as this one
can provide when it is repeated often. At the same time, many admit some frustration
that they have only a vague understanding of the actual meaning of the bow itself.
Hopefully, the following will clarify this understanding further.

In many Asian cultures, the bow is a traditional gesture of greeting, which communicates
both friendliness and respect. Certainly, the bow we make to each other at Naropa
communicates these things, but it also says something more. It has a deeper meaning.
This bow is a way of acknowledging and honoring the qualities of warriorship that
each of us has the capacity to express and to share with others.

By warriorship in this sense we do not mean warfare or aggression—but actually the
opposite. The warrior whom we honor when we bow is someone who is brave enough to
be a truly gentle person. Therefore, the emphasis is on bravery, not on warfare, because
the warrior understands that aggression is actually the result of cowardice. So, in
bowing to each other, we honor the inherent bravery, gentleness and wakeful intelligence
that each of us can experience personally. We also honor Naropa as a place where the
deepest purpose of our education is to cultivate these qualities and bring them to
fuller expression in whatever field of learning we may choose.

Though the bow is a very simple gesture and takes only a few moments to execute, it
actually has three distinct stages or aspects. The first is to take the warrior's
posture, with eyes open, back straight and hands resting on thighs. Just assuming
this posture in itself can bring a sense of clarity, alertness and strength. It can
free one from distraction and depression on the spot. The participant feels the possibilities
of wakefulness and vision; the desire to learn more is aroused. So, one begins the
process by holding this posture.

The second stage is that, having taken this posture, one relaxes a little within and
feels one's heart—which is open, somewhat exposed and vulnerable. It is the source
of gentleness, the source of longing to make contact with others and to be helpful
to them, to be of service. And so, for a moment, as one holds this posture, these
aspects are felt fully. It is almost a kind of positive sadness.

And then, the bow itself, which is the third and final stage. Here, one makes a gift
of personal warrior inspiration to all the others who are bowing together. The sense
of that gift can also be expanded to encompass all others who are beyond the room.
Either way, the basic intention is to make a generous gift of all these wonderful
qualities as one prepares to bow. In fact, the willingness to share in this way is
part of the warrior's bravery.

So, hold, feel and give. That is the meaning of the warrior's bow, which we do every
day here at Naropa University. —Adapted from an essay by Frank Berliner, Naropa University
faculty